Health Protection Agency

Ref KP/ac/389

30 September 2011

Dear Parent

Re: Measles cases in school

We are writing to inform you that a small number of pupils at a school in Northamptonshire have been confirmed with measles infection.

While measles is a generally a mild illness for most children, it can occasionally cause serious complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis).  Please seek medical advice if your child becomes unwell with the following symptoms

·         High temperature

·         Runny nose

·         Red sore eyes

·         White spots on the inside of the mouth

·         A rash of small spots on the body

The best way to fully protect your child against measles is to ensure that they have received 2 doses of MMR vaccine.  The first dose is usually given at around 12 months and the second around the time of school entry.

Please check your child’s vaccination status in the Personal Child Health Record (‘Red book’). If they have not already had 2 doses of vaccine, we strongly urge you to have your child immunised by contacting your GP. 

For further information, please go to:

http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/Measles/GeneralInformation/

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Measles/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Please contact your GP or our office number if you have any queries.

Yours Sincerely